If you're thinking about launching your own self-managed online store, you've probably asked yourself this question:
👉 Is it possible to have an online shop that doesn't cost a monthly fee (aside from hosting) and that I can manage myself, without relying on anyone else?
The short answer is: Yes, it's possible.
And in this article, we'll tell you how to achieve it, what you'll need, what options to avoid, and why WordPress with WooCommerce (and Elementor Pro for design) is one of the best solutions.
Self-managed online store: what does that mean exactly?
When we say a shop is self-managed, we mean that you can:
• Easily add, modify or delete products.
• Change texts, images and prices without technical knowledge.
• Manage orders, stock, and payment methods from an intuitive dashboard.
• Control your own promotions, coupons, and shipping costs.
And all of this, without constantly depending on an agency or developer Every time you want to make a change.
Is a monthly subscription mandatory to have an online store?
Most “easy and fast” platforms such as Shopify, Wix o Squarespace work with monthly plans ranging from 20 to over €100/month, as well as sales commissions.
In other words: they charge you for using their system, even if you sell little or nothing.
Instead, if you opt for a store based on WordPress + WooCommerce, you will only have to pay:
The annual domain name (around €10-15).
• Web hosting (from €60-€100/year).
• And, if you want, some premium plugin or a visual builder such as Elementor Pro (with annual payment, no monthly fee).
✅ No forced subscriptions, no sales commissions. You are the total owner of your shop.
A WordPress and WooCommerce online store works by using WordPress as the website's foundation and WooCommerce as a plugin that adds all the e-commerce functionalities. WordPress handles the website's design, content management, and overall structure, while WooCommerce provides the tools to create a product catalogue, manage inventory, process payments, handle shipping, and track orders. Visitors browse products on the WordPress site, add them to their cart, and then checkout through the secure payment gateway integrated by WooCommerce.
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS). With the WooCommerce plugin, you can turn it into a Powerful and scalable online store.
Among its advantages:
• Easy-to-use management panel.
• No limit on products.
• Integration with payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.
• Management of taxes, shipping, and coupons.
• Fully customisable templates and designs.
Furthermore, when using Elementor Pro For the layout, you can have a bespoke 100% shop tailored to your design and very easy to edit in everyday life.
What do you need to have your shop without paying monthly fees?
To set up an online shop without relying on subscriptions, you only need:
• Domainis your website address (e.g. mitienda.comIt is mandatory and paid once a year, usually costing between €10 and €15.
• HostingThis is where your website lives. It is also mandatory, and its price ranges from €60-€100 per year. It does not require monthly payments if you choose a good provider.
• WordPressIs the content management system that allows you to create and manage your website. It is free and open-source.
• WooCommerce: The free plugin that turns your website into a complete online shop. It's also free.
• Elementor Pro (optional)It is an advanced visual builder that makes web editing much easier and improves design. You pay once a year (not monthly) and it is not compulsory, although it is highly recommended.
With this combination, you can have a Self-managed, professional online shop with no monthly fees (annual domain and hosting costs only).
WordPress + WooCommerce versus closed platforms (like Shopify or Wix)
If you're undecided between using WordPress and platforms like Shopify/Wix, consider these key differences:
• With WordPress + WooCommerce, You don't pay monthly subscriptions or sales commissions. Instead, platforms like Shopify or Wix do charge a fixed monthly fee, even if you don't sell anything.
• In WordPress, you can absolutely customise everything. On closed platforms, you are limited to the options offered by their system.
• With WordPress, You are the owner of your website. and you can take it wherever you want. In contrast, on closed platforms you depend on them completely.
• If you need new features in the future, you can expand them in WordPress at no extra monthly cost. On other platforms, many features are only available on more expensive plans.
• In terms of SEO, WordPress gives you much more control about the content, structure, URLs and speed of the website.
Is this option for you?
This solution is ideal if:
Would you like to have complete control of your shop.
• You're looking for something that doesn't require you to pay every month.
• You're interested in learning to manage your website autonomously.
• You want your website to be optimised for SEO and ready to grow.
In Nicoledezi, we offer the service of design and Bespoke web design for online shops created on WordPress with Elementor Pro. You hand over your design (or we work together on an agreed structure), and we deliver the website to you. list for managing and without monthly fees.
✔ Professional website
Editable by you
✔ No hidden charges
Optimised for SEO
At your preference, not with generic templates
Do you already have the design for your shop? Or are you weighing up options to get started?
💬 Get in touch and we help you create a professional, easy-to-manage online shop with no unnecessary monthly costs.
Additionally, if you are self-employed, you can still ask for the Digital Kit to get your online shop completely free.